What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome? What Are Symptoms Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is as common as any bowel syndrome can be. You can guess from the name what is Irritable Bowel Syndrome disorder about. But it helps to know more. It has affected many people all over the world already.

While foods may not actually act as root causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, their effects are still substantial enough. It is good to note however that there is no fixed formula for creating the diet for Irritable Bowel syndrome. The results will always lie on the strategic combination of foods to promote lesser symptoms and healthier intestinal tract.

Study confirms IBS improvement Dr. Maia Dodds Irritable bowel syndrome is a debilitating and distressing condition, which affects 10-20% of the population. IBS is characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel function such as constipation, diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation. Some people have occasional symptoms, which can be aggravated by stress or food intolerances. Others experience crippling symptoms, and struggle to maintain their quality of life in the absence of any targeted, effective pharmaceutical treatments. This disorder affects people of all ages and backgrounds, including children, although women are predominantly affected. Severe IBS can dramatically restrict mobility, through loss of control of bowel function and severe abdominal pain. These symptoms contribute to IBS being second only to the common cold as the most frequent cause of absenteeism from work and school. Despite the significant impact on individuals and the population at large, there is no clear established cause for IBS. Whilst medical investigations are important to eliminate the possibility of an over-lapping pathology such as parasites, candida, inflammatory bowel disease, cealiacs or Crohn's disease, there is no specific investigation which patients can test positive for in order to confirm a diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. A diagnosis of IBS is more often a diagnosis of exclusion - if its not another gastrointestinal condition, and it fits the symptom picture of IBS, then it is IBS. The current accepted criteria for diagnosing IBS is the Rome criteria (adopted in medical texts and by the American Gastroenterological Association). Their definition of IBS consists of: At least 12 weeks, which need not be consecutive, in the preceding 12 months of abdominal discomfort or pain that has two of three features: -Relieved with defecation and/or -Onset associated with a change in frequency of stool and/or -Onset associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool. The following symptoms support the diagnosis of IBS: -Abnormal bowel movement frequency (more than three per day or less than three per week), -Abnormal stool form (lumpy/hard or loose/water), -Abnormal stool passage (straining, urgency, or feeling of incomplete evacuation), -Mucous passed with stools, -Abdominal bloating or distension. There are few effective treatments for IBS. Pharmaceutical medications include anti-diarrheal agents and laxatives, some of which can be harmful if used repeatedly. Significant improvements can be made through dietary changes which can therefore reducing some trigger factors for IBS. It is also important to practice some stress reduction techniques such as breathing techniques, and positive psychology, as there is a direct link between stress and an aggravation of IBS symptoms. The most promising, long-lasting and side-effect free results in the treatment of IBS were based on a large clinical trial conducted at an Australian university, and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998. These results demonstrated a 64-76% improvement rate on all measures of IBS such as abdominal pain, distention and bowel habits. These results were achieved in a double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial conducted by gastroenterologists and doctors. The remarkable positive results were achieved in the treatment group that received Chinese herbal treatments. This same formula can be purchased as pre-made capsules from select retailers, and it offers great hope for those struggling with IBS.

People with Constipation have opposite symptoms than Diarrhea. In this case the digestive system processes food slower than normal. Hence the bowel movement is very constricted. Constipated people find it very difficult to excrete bowels.

The question "What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?" doesn't have one definite answer. It is more important to understand the symptoms of IBS to answer What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Meanwhile, to facilitate better movements of the stool in the colon, it is best that you take extra amounts of dietary fiber. This is especially true for those who suffer from constipation-dominant irritable bowel.

However, Irritable Bowel Syndrome does not deal with chemical interactions alone. It is basically a functional disorder that borders more on the abnormalities of functions that don't often project actual or physical complications. In fact, this is the exact reason why the nature of the disease is not yet fully known. Add to it the fact that most factors involved are under subjective details, which also require subjective treatments. This alone is enough to conclude why there is lack of concrete knowledge on the true characteristics of the syndrome.

Foods with high caffeine content like coffee, chocolate, and carbonate rinks are also known to trigger Irritable Bowel syndrome. Therefore, these must be eliminated from your list of foods so that you can get around from the likelihood of stimulating the rise of abdominal complications.

Two main symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome include Diarrhea and Constipation. They are 2 opposite sides of the same coin. There can also be constant swings from one to another making it difficult to deal with it. If it was just constipation you could have taken a laxative and soothed your system effectively. But because of the swings from one symptom to another it is harder to deal with the symptoms.

Though we know for a fact that all these contribute to the development of the syndrome and the consequential attacks of symptoms, the medical community cannot still provide a comprehensive treatment plan for all patients to eliminate IBS.

IBS symptoms affect the bowel and large intestine Bowel is part of our body that stores and produces end product (stools) of all that passes our digestive system. Lot of people think IBS is a psychological disorder. The fact is, it is not. It is a physical disorder. Studies show that IBS can affect anyone between 15 to 40 years age. IBS disorder can begin at any age and can afflict anyone. There is no perfect cure for IBS but there are methods to alleviate the symptoms of IBS.

Answer : YOU can try probiotics capsules that are lactose free, suitable for people suffering from milk intolerance. Other products that may help ease the symptoms include double strength fish oil containing marine fish oil derived from sardines and anchovies. Smaller fish such as these contain oils lower in environmental toxins than large predatory fish such as tuna and cod. Milk thistle and dandelion are good for constipation, besides being liver tonics.

"I used to have very embarrassing sounds coming from my stomach at university lectures in the morning. I had diarrhea all the time. Doctor told me I had IBS, so I googled it and found bavolex. It really got my life back! No more stomach gurgling and pain! Thanks a lot, I'm getting 2 more bottles." Anna, California

When the body is stressed out you may experience the symptoms of IBS. The symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome are also experienced during emotional disturbances. Hence there are few who belive Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a psychological disorder. But the fact is that it is a physical disorder that affects your bowel and large intestines.

Diet plays a major role in contributing to the Symptoms of IBS. If Diet can cause the Symptoms, it can also cure the symptoms. If you experience constipation then you could employ fiber rich foods. The goal of your diet should be to avoid the symptoms of IBS or at least bring them down to a tolerable level.

When it comes to gastrointestinal disorders, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is as common as any bowel syndrome can be. It is a chronic condition hence difficult to diagnose accurately. Hence it is important to know more about IBS Symptoms.

Trigger foods are obviously those who create tension in the stomach which then causes it to function in an abnormal manner. Some of the trigger foods are those which have high fat content while very low in fiber content. Oils, cream, poultry skin, fried foods, and coconut milk are among the most common foods that cause problems.

People with IBS usually have watery and very loose stools. Their digestive system processes food way faster than it normally should, which explains watery stools. Constipation and Diarrhea are the primary symptoms. These symptoms are like opposite sides of the coin.

People with Diarrhea have urgency to empty bowels soon after eating, Specially after breakfast. Most people also have stomach pain along with Diarrhea. Their digestive system processes food faster than normal hence the urge to empty the bowels soon after eating.

Fats are known to create a slower digestion in the stomach. The more time it takes the intestinal bacteria to digest foods, the higher the risk of creating gas thus, most patients of Irritable Bowel syndrome suffer from intestinal gas which in itself is also associated with diarrhea, bloating, constipation and other major symptoms.

Most people also have stomach pain along with these symptoms. Stomach Pain is experienced more by women. It often gets mistaken for the menstruation pain. The pain can be mild or severe.

Undergoing self-treatment may be dangerous as you may be doing more harm to yourself that curing the symptoms. It is good to be better educated about the symptoms of IBS. This way if you feel that you have the symptoms you can get help.

The IBS Symptoms do not really lead to other symptoms of more aggrevated nature as they don't cause any permanent damage to the patient in any way. It is very common for ages 15 and above, still it is not something people like to talk about.

There are more symptoms as well: depression, back pain, nausea, groin pain, indigestion, sleep disturbances and vomiting. If you have experienced one or more of these for a while you should get help.

IBS is a chronic disorder. This means progression in gradual, it may even span more than six months. It's primary focus is patient's bowel movement. It is difficult to become aware of the disorder as the symptoms of the syndrome are not that obvious during its progression. There are times when the symptoms go untreated because they are not obvious and are overlooked.

Question : MY 16-year-old son has been suffering from irritable bowel syndrome for the past four years. He has stomach cramps all the time, sometimes very painful. Due to this he has missed many days of school. He has seen many doctors and specialists and gone for the usual tests. Medication has not helped. He took a food intolerance test, which indicates he has intolerance for milk and potatoes.

There are other symptoms as well. Bloating is one of them. You would expect high levels of gas to go with bloating, on the contrary your gas levels just might be normal. You can expect to have abdominal pain with either Diarrhea or Constipation. The symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome can manifest for a month or two and then disappear for few months.

Diet and lifestyle modifications can also help. Stick to a gluten-free diet. Avoid all foods made from wheat, rye, barley and oats except rice, millet and corn. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and fish. Set aside time after breakfast or dinner for undisturbed visits to the toilet.

Constipation is marked by compacted stool or too loose stool. Fiber acts as the neutralizer since it adds bulk to the stool to administer easier expulsion from the system.

Thus, any activities that would result to the removal of these factors will create lesser chances of triggering the attacks. One best way of doing this is through following of a diet plan that would remove problematic foods while supplementing them with foods helpful in improving the symptoms.

His diet should be high in complex carbohydrates and fibre that includes beans, bran and whole grains. Avoid oranges as these are known to trigger diarrhoea. Sugar and refined carbohydrates (white rice, white bread, and noodles) must not be taken as they contribute to increased inflammatory action for IBS sufferers. Learn to relax as stress can worsen the condition. Try to exercise regularly.

Symptoms of IBS are also very common to other diseases. Hence it is easy to mistaken them for something else. This makes it harder to get an accurate diagnosis. It is important to eliminate the possibility that patient has an organic disease or is lactose intolerant. Lab tests are needed to diagnose this. Speicially the testing of fecal matter, X-Rays and even endoscopy.

It is not surprising that food has got something to do with the causes of irritable bowel syndrome. After all, it is in the intestinal tract that we process foods. Thus, what we eat normally affects the way our intestines function.

Changes in our diet would certainly create effects on the fashion by which we digest foods. This then will change the chemical interaction involved in the processing of these crucial substances.

Fiber can be acquired from natural resources such as vegetables and fruits, nuts, brown rice, figs, peas, French bread, raisings, soybeans, and a number of others.

About the author:Dr. Maia Dodds fucusses on the treatment of IBS. She hascompiled international clinical research and personal experiencein her new book 'Irritable Bowel Syndrome Improvement Program'.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome or more commonly known as IBS, is not commonly known until 1992. Since then, more and more people realize that the frequent cramping of the stomach, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation are all part of IBS symptoms. Although IBS does not cause permanent harm to the sufferer, it can cause much distress, discomfort and embarassment. Diet is one of the major...

Irritable bowel syndrome also called IBS is one of the most
common disorders of the digestive tract. Symptoms of IBS often
increase with stress or after eating and include
Abdominal bloating, pain, and gas Mucus in the stool Feeling as
if a bowel movement hasn t been completed Irregular bowel habits
with constipation, diarrhea, or both The cause of IBS is
unknown. Symptoms are thought to be...

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the large bowel better known in medical circles as colon. Irritable bowel syndrome is not a disease. It can be defined as functional disorder, meaning that certain organs do not function correctly. IBS is a health condition when the bowel overreacts even to a mild stimulus, such as eating or the presence of gas. The nerves and muscles in the bowel...

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